Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Prepare the Dumpling Wrappers
- Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, briefly pan-fry dumpling wrappers for 30-60 seconds per side until lightly golden and slightly crisp, but still pliable. They should not be fully cooked. Set aside on a plate lined with paper towels. Repeat with remaining oil and wrappers.
Make the Savory Beef Filling
- In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp vegetable oil and brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in beef broth, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to reduce slightly. Stir in black pepper and chopped water chestnuts. Remove from heat and set aside.
Prepare the Creamy Layer
- In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Mix until smooth. Stir in 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese and sliced green onions. Season with white pepper.
Assemble the Lasagna
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Spread a very thin layer (about 1/4 cup) of the beef filling on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This helps prevent the wrappers from sticking.
- Arrange a single layer of the pan-fried dumpling wrappers over the beef filling, overlapping slightly as needed to cover the bottom of the dish. You may need to tear some to fit edges.
- Spread half of the savory beef filling evenly over the dumpling wrappers.
- Dollop and gently spread half of the creamy layer over the beef filling.
- Place another layer of dumpling wrappers on top of the creamy mixture.
- Spread the remaining half of the savory beef filling over the wrappers.
- Dollop and gently spread the remaining half of the creamy layer over the beef filling.
- Finish with a final layer of dumpling wrappers.
Bake
- Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup provolone cheese evenly over the top layer of dumpling wrappers.
- Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Rest & Serve
- Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
Notes
To save time, you can prepare the beef filling and creamy layer a day in advance. Store separately in the refrigerator. For a spicier kick, add 1-2 teaspoons of gochujang or sriracha to the beef filling. Ensure the dumpling wrappers are only lightly cooked/softened during the pan-frying step; they will finish cooking and fully cook in the oven.
